Felicita Garcia was a daughter of noted San Juan potter Tomasita Montoya.  She learned to make pottery from her mother and created extraordinary vessels in the revival styles.  She was not a prolific potter but each piece was coil built and traditionally fired.  This large jar is polished red on the neck and base. The center band is fully incised with rain and mountain designs.  Note the symmetry of the lines.  She used a micaceous slip in the incised areas to give the jar a contrast of “sparkle” with the matte.  This style was part of the revival in the 1930s and inspired by the Potsuwi’i potter of the 1450-1500 era.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Felicita Garcia”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It was originally acquired from Dick Howard and his original code tags remain on the bottom.

“Revival Rising” Ohkay Owingeh Pottery 1930s-60s